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Kroger executive Lynn Marmer has been appointed new chair of the board that oversees the region's port authority, which acquires and redevelops blighted commercial and residential properties.

Marmer switches roles on the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority board with businessman and philanthropist Otto M. Budig Jr., who moves to vice chair after serving as chairman since 2009.

The port authority board approved the new appointments in an unanimous vote Wednesday.

Marmer, Kroger's group vice president for corporate affairs, had been the port board's vice chair since 2009.

"This is an exciting time for the port authority," Marmer said. "Transformative (redevelopment) work is under way in Bond Hill, Evanston and other neighborhoods. The port has unique capabilities and tools to bring jobs and development to our city and Hamilton County."

Marmer is highly respected in the business and philanthropic communities. She also has a strong relationship with City Hall, critical in the port authority's ongoing efforts to expand funding for jobs-creating projects.

Marmer is Kroger's first female officer and has been recognized with Enquirer Women of the Year and YWCA Career Women of Achievement honors.

Marmer also played a lead role in the port authority board's vetting of the parking-lease deal last year. She called for the board to further examine the highly controversial deal between the port and city before deciding to move forward. The deal was later killed by new Mayor John Cranley.

"I look forward to continuing to serve on the port authority board with Lynn," said Budig, who's been on the port board since 2001.

"Her vision and drive have been instrumental in our successes to date. Now, her leadership will help us maintain a focus on increasing regional prosperity."